Collection:LPB

Genre: Interview

Place Covered: Louisiana

Copyright Holder: Louisiana Educational Television Authority

Date Issued: 1997-07-18

Duration: 00:24:26

Subjects: Bussie, Victor V., 1919-2011 | Louisiana AFL-CIO | Unions | Labor | Long, Earl Kemp, 1895-1960 | Long, Huey Pierce, 1893-1935 | Politics | Government | Louisiana. Legislature | Truman, Harry S., 1884-1972 | Roosevelt, Franklin D. (Franklin Delano), 1882-1945 | Kennedy, John F. (John Fitzgerald), 1917-1963 | Clinton, Bill, 1946- | Welfare reform | Louisiana State University System

Contributors:

• Weill, Gus Host
• Fowler, Ken Producer
• Bussie, Victor Interviewee

This episode of the series “Louisiana Legends” from July 18, 1997, features an interview with Victor Bussie conducted by Gus Weill. Bussie served as the president of the Louisiana AFL-CIO from 1956-1997. He discusses: his father’s involvement in a labor union; joining the firefighter’s union; his service as the president of the AFL-CIO; his memories of Governor Earl K. Long; the impact of Governor Huey P. Long’s textbook initiative on his education; his belief that the government has a responsibility to help people; his tough battles in the Louisiana Legislature; his relationships with Presidents Harry Truman, Franklin D. Roosevelt, John F. Kennedy, and Bill Clinton; welfare reform; the continuing problems of the labor movement; the difficult life of public officials; his role as a member of the LSU Board of Supervisors; his retirement and health; and how he hopes to be remembered.